Veteran sports writer Jim Utter covers NASCAR for The Charlotte Observer and its racing site, ThatsRacin.com. In this space, Jim writes about all things NASCAR and other forms of racing which may also be relevant ... or not.

Saturday, August 4, 2012

The "Parade of Power" returns to Charlotte Motor Speedway on Wednesday. The speedway will kick off the fall season of speed with race cars, pace cars, a top fuel dragster and a giant Monster Truck rolling down Bruton Smith Boulevard from Concord Mills at noon on Wednesday.

NASCAR’s Joey Logano and NHRA drivers Erica Enders and Doug Herbert will be on hand for a fan forum and autograph session for the first 100 fans to pick up a wristband Wednesday morning.

In addition, there will be live music, $1 hot dogs and the Powerade Play Zone with a bounce house, face painter and video game fan van for kids. There will also be free Monster Truck rides.

The ticket office will also be giving away driver diecasts or speedway camp chairs as a special gift with purchase of race tickets on Wednesday. For more info, go to CharlotteMotorSpeedway.com or call 800-455-FANS.